Four cops remanded over death of Jaffna youth

Update: Four police officers were remanded till next Monday (27) by Jaffna Magistrate Court today over the death of a 25-year-old youth who died due to torture at Vaddukottai police station.  

Police said that steps are underway to arrest another officer over the incident. 

The arrests came after Jaffna Magistrate Court issued an order yesterday to arrest five police officers attached to the Vaduukottai police station over the death of a 25-year-old youth in police custody.

Nagarasa Alex (25) was arrested over a theft incident by Vaddukottai police personnel along with his friend on November 8 and was subjected to severe torture while in police custody before being produced before Mallakam Magistrate Court on November 12, the Court was told. 

Conducting the Magisterial inquiry over the incident today, Magistrate Judge A. A. Anandarajah ruled the killing as ‘homicide’ based on the evidence, testimonies, and the report Judicial Medical Officer (JMO) submitted to the Court. 

The Court also directed to ensure the security of the key witness under the Witness Protection Law followed by a medical examination by JMO. The case is to be taken up for further hearing next Monday. 

See the Sunday Times edition tomorrow for detailed report.